06/18/2026
How did I choose the name Blueberry Backroads?
In 2007 I started designing small embroidery patterns for my mom’s quilt shop in northern Minnesota. I needed a name. She and I, and a close family friend, sewing machines running, needles stitching, sat around and brainstormed.
I wanted something catchy, nature focused, northwoodsy.
I don’t recall any other names even considered. Blueberry Backroads had such a nice ring to it, we all agreed it was the one.
Blueberries do grow in my hometown of Bemidji, but they are not a berry I grew up picking. Rather, I recall picking from the row of prickly raspberry bushes that lined the back of our garden; strawberry picking at the top of the hill that overlooked our country road; and my favorite- chokecherry picking with my mom, from the trees down the road so she could make jelly.
Segue into the painting I’ve been doing the last few years, and blueberries are one of my favorite subjects. On the bush they are anything but all blue. And that’s part of what makes them so fun to paint. From lime green to magenta, they move through many colors as they ripen.
Sara Hardwig Art is not as catchy of a name as Blueberry Backroads. In naming my art business, I was advised to keep it to my name. People want to get to know the actual artist and will look for her by name when considering her artwork. In some ways I like that about the art business. It’s an invitation to really show up as my authentic self and not just share what I make, but also what I think. I never did mind telling you what I thought, just ask my family.😉
Thank you for following along here at Blueberry Backroads. Some of you, many of you, have been a customer since I first got started. I’m grateful!🫐🩵💙☀️💜
